November 19
Annual Lighting of the Trellis at Christopher Columbus Park (Boston | 5 p.m.)
Join Mayor Walsh and the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park for the annual trellis lighting ceremony, complete with Christmas carols, hot chocolate, and more.
November 20
Thanksgiving Potluck Feast (Cambridge | 5:30–7:30 p.m.)
One of the biggest community events of the year, the annual Thanksgiving potluck feast is where old friends and new neighbors meet and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings. The Agassiz Baldwin Community supplies the turkey (cooked by volunteers), cranberry sauce, and drinks, while guests bring salads, sides, and desserts inspired by their own family traditions. Hosted in the Maria L. Baldwin School cafeteria, this neighborhood tradition has continued for nearly 40 years!
November 24
Lowell City of Lights (Lowell | 2–10 p.m.)
Ring in the holidays in downtown Lowell with this year’s City of Lights parade and holiday celebration! Take the afternoon to stroll the city streets and enjoy live performances, holiday shopping, photos with Santa, and the crowd favorite — a hot chocolate competition! The daytime fun leads to the nighttime extravaganza — the City of Lights parade and city hall lighting — which marks the city’s official start to the holiday season!
November 26
Charles Hotel Tree Lighting (Cambridge | 4–6 p.m.)
Join for the lighting of the Harvard Square holiday trees! Shake Shack will be providing complimentary beverages. At 4 p.m., children can help decorate the trees with ornaments and bow ties from Vineyard Vines. Santa Claus’ jazz band will perform at 5 p.m., and the tree lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m., followed by a visit from Santa! The performances will continue until 6:30 p.m., allowing everyone a chance to visit with Santa.
November 26
Copley Square Tree Lighting (Boston | 5–6 p.m.)
The free event will feature appearances by Santa Claus and Rudolph, along with musical performances by the Boston Children’s Chorus, the Boston Pops Brass Quintet, and Berklee College of Music students Britani Washington and Sam Robbins. Festivities will continue in and around Copley Square on November 27. The Boston Public Library and The Catered Affair will host a Storytime and Candy Cane Tea at the library from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event is free, but reservations are required by calling (617) 859-2272.
November 27
Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting Spectacular (Boston | 7:30 p.m.)
The official Blink! Tree Lighting takes place on November 27 during the live broadcast on WBZ-TV/CBS Boston at 7:30 p.m. It will feature appearances by Santa Claus, The City of Boston Community Choir, holiday singers, and the official flipping of the switch to illuminate thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to music.
November 28–January 1
Blink! (Boston | 4:30 p.m.)
Blink!, the world-famous light and sound show, will return to deck the halls this holiday season at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Blink! features the signature holiday tree at Marketplace Center joined by other trees and lights throughout the property. This year’s Blink! show features six holiday favorites. Performances run from 4:30–10 p.m. daily.
December 2
Wellesley Holiday Stroll (Wellesley | 1–6 p.m.)
There’s nothing like it throughout all of the greater Boston area. Dozens of Wellesley merchants host events and savings, the Scavenger Hunt winners get gift certificates worth about $850, and the Art Walk by the Wellesley Women Artisans has become just as much of a tradition as is this great event.
December 6
Commander’s Mansion Annual Holiday Open House (Watertown | 10 a.m.–8 p.m.)
The Commander’s Mansion annual holiday open house is a free and open event for the community! You will be able to self-tour the decorated rooms on both floors, thanks to the magical help from Watertown Home Depot and Table Toppers of Newton. Be sure to bring your camera for photo ops with Santa and sit for story time with Mrs. Claus! Stop by the winter wonderland arts and crafts station and take a moment to vote for your favorite gingerbread house, too!
December 6
Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll (Boston)
Families are invited to a festive evening of refreshments, shopping, Santa, horse and buggy rides, Victorian Carolers, a strolling brass quintet, and Charles Street businesses open for good cheer. Charles Street will be closed for Victorian carolers and shoppers. Free horse and buggy rides, and a brass band are all part of the celebration. Earlier in the day, kids can visit Santa at Hill House firehouse, followed by a tree lighting later in the evening. Santa lights the tree around 7 p.m. on the corner of Charles and Mount Vernon Street, and then all can join in with the Victorian Carolers and sing out your favorite Christmas carols! A wonderful evening of holiday cheer for all ages. Sponsored by the Beacon Hill Business Association.
December 15
Kendall Square Holiday on Ice (Cambridge | 11 a.m.–9 p.m.)
The 11th annual Holiday on Ice celebration at Community Ice Skating includes free admission all day, free food, and a free show produced by Frozen Frog Productions. The show will feature holiday numbers as well as local and international competitors and world-class professional skaters. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. with free admission, and the ice skating show begins promptly at 2 p.m. Join for a fun show that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Skate rentals will be available at regular rates.
December 31
First Night Boston (Boston)
For 40 years, Boston’s First Night has been a cherished tradition and a signature event for the city, with artistic performances, the wonders of the season, and the beginning of a new year. Entertainment and specialty attractions will be focused in Copley Square and the Boston Common. Many of the beloved traditions of First Nights past will be retained, including ice sculptures and light displays. In addition, arts and musical performances will take place in numerous inside and outside venues around the heart of the event.
